Protocol
Advanced Map Tips
- HQ Choke Point — Alpha (A)
- Surprise Drop — Beta (B)
- Northern Sightline — Gamma (Γ)
- Radio Tower Focal Point —Delta (Δ)
Map Focused Loadouts
Prebrief
Isolated in the waters of Avalon, Protocol is a former black site that’s been fortified for war. The war it’s prepared for may have been some time ago, but nonetheless there is plenty of hard cover and strategic angles to take at every turn. Utilize the battered but solid stone battlements all over the island to take cover from incoming fire and don’t let up on outangling the enemy.
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POI Overview
Protocol is divided into seven major points of interest based on key areas around the map. Use the Advanced Map Tips to learn a little more about the map and where some additional hot spots will be. Learn about how to control each key location and gain the upper hand against the enemy team.
Main Spawn Point: Dock
The Dock serves as the main spawn point for Rogue Black Ops. Wide open, the Docks leave plenty of opportunity to develop a pathway out, but not a lot of cover. So don’t spend too much time on the Docks. Thankfully, if you need to escape to the Beach or make your move to the north side, there is some cover and protection there.
Tactical Location: Radio Tower
The Radio Tower is a prime tactical location for ease of access to the center of the map. From the Radio Tower, there is a lower path and an upper path. As an extremely powerful location to control, the Radio Tower is a main pivot point when attempting to attack objectives from multiple angles.
Tactical Location: Barracks
The Barracks is a two-story building that can be accessed from several different locations due to it being near the center of the map. Equipped with many walls, just enough windows, and a plethora of interior obstacles, this building should be used as your team’s stronghold to control enemy movement around the central artillery installations.
Tactical Location: Artillery
Likely to be the most active location on Protocol in any given match, Artillery is completely open with only two major positions of cover. Both the missile launcher as well as the artillery cannon are large, but they both sit right in the middle of this area. You’ll need to go through it, around it, or underneath it.
Tactical Location: HQ
Protocol is an old CIA outpost and training facility with a robust base of operations. Welcome to the HQ where not only are the most sensitive missions planned, but is also the key to the most important rotations on the map. The eastern exit takes you straight to the Armory and the western exit takes you to the Barracks.
Tactical Location: Armory
Serving as the main strong hold on the Crimson One’s spawn, the Armory is open and a little less protected from within the building. However, because of the spiral staircase down to the HQ and the slightly more complex exterior, there is just as much power in controlling and defending this location.
Main Spawn Point: Woods
Woods is a large location and houses another anti-air missile defense system. Use the cover that you can to defend this location from players attacking from the three southern directions. Woods is also home to the A Domination zone.
// INTEL CARD
- BO6
Protocol
// MULTIPLAYER MAPS // CORE
Stronghold supremacy: Protocol’s map center is flanked by two major strongholds, the Armory and the Barracks. Controlling one or both is the key to your team’s success.
Longshot lanes: There are more CQC locations on Protocol than long sightlines, but on the outside lanes snipers can really hold down some major key locations. Prep a Stim Shot if you’re preparing to brave attempting a flank via the map edges.
Around about: On Protocol, the wide flank is not always the answer. Sometimes you have to think over and under through the HQ in order to find the best path toward penetrating the enemy’s defense.
Advanced Map Tips
HQ Choke Point — Alpha (A)
In the transition between the HQ and Boat Ramp, there is a large steel doorway that splits the two POIs apart from each other. This split is a crucial crossfire position that each team can watch from at least two different angles. This is also what makes control of the HQ so incredibly important. There isn’t a Domination zone here, but there is a Hardpoint that’s only easy to defend if you already control this zone before the Hardpoint is unlocked. If you’re finding it tough to break, enter from above through the Radio Tower or Armory.
Surprise Drop — Beta (B)
It’s difficult to see much of Artillery from any point on the south side of the map because of the height difference. Which makes it vitally important to keep an eye on players attempting this move. Taking notes from the Training Course, diving from Artillery to the Boat Ramp or lower Radio Tower may be a dangerous move once you’ve landed, but you’ll surprise almost every player as you do it.
Northern Sightline — Gamma (Γ)
The northern sightline may seem obvious from a purely observer perspective, however the main obstacle will be to know where to look and when. Near the beginning of a match, looking directly across the cove is great because players may not have a chance to look over from the center just yet. However, if the enemy controls Artillery, you’re going to have a couple of angles to worry about. From the Bastion side, there are fewer angles to worry about, however there is a bit less cover. On the Helipad, there is a large helicopter that can double as a small stronghold. The downside of the helicopter is that there is a lot of open space around it, which makes it difficult to rotate away.
Interrogation Room Reconnaissance —Delta (Δ)
The Interrogation room may be small, but it is incredibly important when using it to defend several locations at once. The western window looks directly into Artillery and can see any Operators traveling down that corridor as well as any coming up from the Radio Tower. You may not need to control this location from within, but if you can use the window as a covered position, you can protect both sides of the building with a few pieces of equipment.
Map Focused Loadouts
Here are a few loadouts that serve as great starting points when you’re unsure how to succeed on Protocol.
Island Runner
SMG, Enforcer Combat Specialty
This full Enforcer Loadout allows you to be aggressive and go after POI hot spots as fast as possible. Protocol has a ton of opportunities to flank the enemy, so being speedy and agile is a large boon to any player. This Loadout gives you what you need to be able to do damage while also being able to get the first shot on the enemy. Start running and only slow down to get some shots on target.
Forward Assault Agent
Assault Rifle, Strategist Combat Specialty
Protocol has very clear and defined lanes, however there are also many paths to staying out of sight while traveling these paths. However, if the enemy team knows that you’re attacking them from certain areas, they may deploy some Thermo Grenades and stop you from advancing. This Loadout allows you to be able to push positions and even take a little bit of damage along the way, without issue. Gearhead allows you to keep your team resupplies and put pressure on the enemy, while Tac Mask keeps you protected as your XM4 lays down as many rounds as possible, quickly.
Top of Your Class
Sniper Rifle, Recon Combat Specialty
You’re an expert marksman, and this Loadout shows it. There are some great sightlines primed for Longshots galore. A Sniper Rifle would do just fine on Protocol, but to be versatile in the close-quarters combat sections of the map, the SWAT 5.56 gives you everything you need. Be able to make those long shots, while holding down key locations for your team with intel, fire blockades, and traps to make your position feel like it’s being held by an entire unit. Be the one-person support squad that can protect your team from a distance.
Protocol is chock full of strategic angles and alternate paths to any location on the map. Holding down chokepoints will be key to your team’s victory. So, stay vigilant and keep your head up and watch every angle that you can, but remember:
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